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US deploys small force to Iraq, opens dialogue with Iran

June 16, 2014

WASHINGTON — The United States has deployed approximately 275 troops "equipped for combat" to Iraq, US President Barack Obama informed Congress on Monday night, to counter the growing threat of ISIS, a terrorist militia threatening the sovereignty of Iraq and Syria.

"This action has been directed with my responsibility to protect US citizens both at home and abroad, and in furtherance of US national security and foreign policy interests," Obama wrote in his notice. "This force will remain in Iraq until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed."

Also on Monday, the US acknowledged that, in order to address the dramatic advances of ISIS, a new line of direct communication has been opened with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"The issue did come up briefly with Iran on the margins of the P5+1 in Vienna today, separate from our trilateral meeting," a senior State Department official said. "These engagements will not include military coordination or strategic determinations about Iraq’s future over the heads of the Iraqi people."

"We will discuss how [ISIS] threatens many countries in the region, including Iran, and the need to support inclusivity in Iraq and refrain from pressing a sectarian agenda," the official continued.